Thing to Do

Swimming in Lake Powell

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Four people swim backwards away from a houseboat railing
A dip in the Lake after a hot day of boating hits the spot

NPS

Swimming is a popular activity at Lake Powell, especially in the summer when water temperatures can surpass 80° Fahrenheit. Please be aware that there are no life guards at Lake Powell or on the Colorado River. Water Quality conditions can change at your favorite swim areas depending on high visitor use, recent storms, rising lake waters, new algal blooms, and waste from wildlife, livestock, and previous visitors coming in contact with the lake waters. Swim at your own risk. Swimming is prohibited at all marinas and launch areas.

Swimming Safety Tips

From the American Red Cross and The National Park Service:

  • Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
  • Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
  • Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear US Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
  • Maintain constant supervision. Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
  • Swim Sober.
  • If you swim from a boat, make sure the boat is secure. Never start the engine while swimmers are overboard.
  • Cliff Jumping/Cliff Diving is illegal. It is prohibited for any person to jump or dive off of rock cliffs, ledges, or man-made structures (excluding vessels). The National Park Service does not advocate or promote the activity of cliff jumping or diving regardless of the height from the water surface.

Do Not Swim in Marinas

Swimming is prohibited at all marinas and launch areas. There are potentially lethal safety concerns in marina waters. Electrical faults from vessels or docks can electrocute swimmers. Boat traffic and propeller strikes can maim or kill.
 

At the Beach: Sunglasses, Sandals, Sunscreen, and Safe Practices

  • Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.
  • Protect your eyes, wear sunglasses that will absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
  • Wear foot protection such as closed toed sandals. The sand can burn your feet and glass, quagga mussel shells, and other sharp objects can cut them.
  • Never swim in or allow your pets near waters that have algal scum floating on the water which may indicate that a Harmful Algal Bloom is occurring.
  • Always wash your hands before eating, shower with soap after playing in the water, and never go in the water if you have open sores or cuts.
Details

Swimming Safety Tips From the American Red Cross and The National Park Service:

  • Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
  • Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
  • Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear US Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
  • Maintain constant supervision. Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
  • Swim Sober.
  • If you swim from a boat, make sure the boat is secure. Never start the engine while swimmers are overboard.
  • Cliff Jumping/Cliff Diving is illegal. It is prohibited for any person to jump or dive off of rock cliffs, ledges, or man-made structures (excluding vessels). The National Park Service does not advocate or promote the activity of cliff jumping or diving regardless of the height from the water surface.

All humans 12 years old and younger must wear a lifejacket while at a marina, on a vessel or in the waters of Lake Powell. We highly recommend keeping that lifejacket on when playing on a beach.

Pets are welcome at most places in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Please keep your pet leashed and clean up after them.

We recommend that your pet wears a lifejacket in the water, and goggles when your vessel is underway. Rinse your pet's fur completely when leaving Lake Powell for their health and yours.

Pets are NOT allowed in the following areas:

  • All archeological sites.
  • All marinas, docks, walkways, and launch ramps, except when proceeding directly to or from a boat.
  • Rainbow Bridge NM, except for pets in vessels at the courtesy docks.

Standard entrance fees and vessel fees apply for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. There are no additional fees for swimming.

On Lake Powell, you can swim anywhere you want, except at marinas and at Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Access to swimming areas is mostly by boat. Note: The point on the map is not the only place you can swim at Lake Powell, it indicates all of Lake Powell. For the locations of the swimming areas you can drive a vehicle to, check one of the links below.

Swimming areas accessible by vehicle and either closed to boats or in a wakeless zone:

Reservations
No

Swimming in Lake Powell is best enjoyed mid-summer to early fall. As temperatures drop in the winter and early spring, the risk of hypothermia increases. Be aware of your surroundings and your swimming capabilities.

We do not recommend swimming after dark. The bottom of Lake Powell is not flat. There are areas that slope deeply, areas that are rocky. and areas that have underwater plants that you can get caught in. In the case of an accident, rangers may not be able to boat to your rescue after dark.

Accessibility Information
Swimming in Lake Powell is an activity that could be enjoyed by people at any level of mobility, sightedness, hearing, or sensory issues. If you are an adult who can swim, you can swim in Lake Powell. If you are at all hesitant about your swimming capabilities, or just if you want to float, we highly recommend wearing a lifejacket that fits while in the water. Children under 12 years old, regardless of ability, must wear a lifejacket while in the water. 

There are few access points to the water if you do not have a boat. Of the five swimming areas listed, only Wahweap Swim Beach has a trail that would be usable by a wheelchair equipped with sand/beach wheels. All of the other spots are too sandy or rocky for wheelchair access.

Service animals are welcome to enjoy the water, as are pets, so keep an eye on your helper around errant pets.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

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Last updated: May 29, 2025